Left ventricular hypertrophy: role of the renin-angiotensin system

Process of hypertrophy is considered adaptive, at least at early phases. At the same time, large epidemiological studies have convincingly demonstrated that LV hypertrophy is an independent RF for cardiovascular complications. Review analyzes in detail mechanisms for formation of LV hypertrophy in AH, factors influencing severity of LV hypertrophy, and possibilities for treating hypertrophy using drugs that inhibit the activity of renin-angiotensin system including ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists.